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Introduction to Linux - A Hands on Guide

This guide was created as an overview of the Linux Operating System, geared toward new users as an exploration tour and getting started guide, with exercises at the end of each chapter.
For more advanced trainees it can be a desktop reference, and a collection of the base knowledge needed to proceed with system and network administration. This book contains many real life examples derived from the author's experience as a Linux system and network administrator, trainer and consultant. They hope these examples will help you to get a better understanding of the Linux system and that you feel encouraged to try out things on your own.

If you're old enough to remember Cherry keyboards, the Ducky is a modern-day Cherry.

I remember when rubber dome keyboards first came out in the mid-1980s, I thought they were distinctly inferior to mechanical keyboards. I was extremely happy to find a keyboard with mechanical keyswitches still being made today.
Ed

Liked your review, went looking to buy, no Red Cherry available, but Blue Cherry is -- any downside you know of to Blue vs. Red (or Brown, those seem available)?

Thing looks like just what I like to type on (although, gotta admit, the Logitech K120 I'm using really does have good feel, just lousy paint on the key caps) and nice size for clumsy fingers).

I have three of the model M keyboards, one at home, one here at work and one spare ... I wouldn't use anything else .... and I use an old IBM trackball (the one that you can convert into a mouse). They are almost bullet-proof. They actually use miniature ball races on the axles of the spinners that the ball activates! .. I have two of these .. I bought these on ebay some years ago but unfortunately that supply is long gone.

I was "brought up" on these keyboards when I worked for IBM and my fingers (and muscle memory) just don't want to deal with anything else.

(although, gotta admit, the Logitech K120 I'm using really does have good feel, just lousy paint on the key caps) and nice size for clumsy fingers).

I too like the Logitech K120.

I have a half a dozen keyboards lying around. Anything from large takes-two-hands-to-lift IBM & HP keyboards to very thin wireless keyboards. I usually just grab a keyboard, plug it in and type away.

About a month ago I unboxed the K120 I had bought on sale quite a while ago. I was impressed with how well I typed on the K120. Better than most of the keyboards I have. Sometimes a newer keyboard works well too.

The red switches are the "fastest" in the Cherry MX line, with low resistance and no tactile bump. I like the reds. The black switches offer more resistance, which makes accidental keypresses less likely if one rests one's fingers on the keys.

The blue switches emulate the IBM Model M, tactile and loud. The browns are a less noisy version of the blues.

The choice of keyswitch is very much a personal preference... just like the choice of OS.
Ed

Forget the Model M -- is anybody using a space cadet keyboard? I've always wanted one due to its influence on emacs.

And does anybody know how to hook up old peripherals like that to newer machines? The Model M probably has PS/2 connecters, and it's easy enough to buy a PS/2 to USB adapter. Did those older keyboards use RS232 serial ports? Or something proprietary and obscure?

Mico Center! Forgot all about those guys -- I used to live in Detroit and there's a Mico Center store there (about 200 miles from where I live now). Toys for Boys, that place, could get lost in there for a week (and, you know, spend your IRA real quick).

Forget the Model M -- is anybody using a space cadet keyboard? I've always wanted one due to its influence on emacs.

C'mon now, there must be at least some people who use an APL keyboard! The IBM 3270 terminals had such keyboards.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrCube

And does anybody know how to hook up old peripherals like that to newer machines? The Model M probably has PS/2 connecters, and it's easy enough to buy a PS/2 to USB adapter. Did those older keyboards use RS232 serial ports? Or something proprietary and obscure?

My knowledge goes back to the 5-pin DIN connector on XT keyboards. They can be converted to PS/2 using a passive adapter. PS/2 to USB needs an active device, not just an adapter plug.

Dunno what yet older keyboards do. I have been using a Teletype which was 110 baud RS-232, yes. Earlier hobbyists would use telex machines with a ascii-to-baudot converter.

About twenty years ago I had the misfortune of having a "goin' ta jail party". The drink of choice was double shots of Yukon Jack with Black Russian chasers. Needless to say after about 4 rounds the 6'-9" 450 lb bouncer politely ask us to leave "The Fuzzy Bunny". As I am a mere 6'-3" 325 lb slacker we quickly did as he asked.
OT My current keyboard easily weights in at 2lb made in Canada vintage 1994 and still works great. Sorry but no manufacturers name anywhere on the device, but it is very clickety clackety.

Scotch Whiskey is an acquired taste and it is funny how tastes change over the years.
When I was about 20, I couldn't stand the smell or taste of beer and acquired a taste for Scotch. Somehow I managed to learned the differences between the better brands of Scotch, but was never a big drinker (but did overdo it on rare occasion ).
Fast forward almost 30 years, and one evening I walked into a bar to meet a friend and ordered my usual drink. I sipped it, put it down, picked up the glass again, took a long look at it and said to myself, "Have I really been drinking this *2#% all these years?!" I've been drinking beer ever since, but do appreciate a good cognac every now and then.

C'mon now, there must be at least some people who use an APL keyboard! The IBM 3270 terminals had such keyboards.

My knowledge goes back to the 5-pin DIN connector on XT keyboards. They can be converted to PS/2 using a passive adapter. PS/2 to USB needs an active device, not just an adapter plug.

jlinkels

Some PS2 Keyboards have the USB logic inside and come with a passive adapter, though those usually confuse people when they take that passive adapter and plug in another ps2 style keyboard and can't get it to work